At its core, the AMCF Women’s Giving Circle is built on a simple but transformative belief: when women give together, our impact multiplies. In 2025, this shared commitment to collective giving grew into measurable results—strengthening nonprofits, building leadership, and investing in the long-term wellbeing of the American Muslim community.
As we reflect on the 2025 cycle, we are proud of what this community has accomplished together—not only in dollars granted, but in relationships built, capacity strengthened, and voices amplified.
Impact at a Glance
In 2025, the Women’s Giving Circle demonstrated the power of collective action:
- 20 nonprofit organizations nominated, with 14 achieving Candid Gold or Platinum Seals of Transparency, strengthening credibility and fundraising readiness
- 60 Women’s Giving Circle members collectively donated $15.6K
- Three organizations selected by member vote received funding through grants or endowment support
- All nominees amplified through AMCF and Giving Circle communications
- 8,800+ reached on social media
- 10,000+ reached via newsletters, with an average 50% open rate
- 900+ attendees and registrants participated in programming AMCF hosted or partnered on throughout the year
Every nominee also received capacity-building support, including a dedicated workshop on how to obtain a Candid Seal of Transparency—ensuring that impact extended beyond the grant itself. Learn about all of our amazing 2025 nominees and their work.
From Nomination to Decision Day
The Giving Circle’s process is intentionally participatory and values-driven. After nominations, five finalists were selected by voting members and received:
- Pitch training and coaching
- The opportunity to present at a live Decision Day
- Direct engagement with Giving Circle members before final voting
At the conclusion of the cycle, members selected three grantees who were announced publicly at the National Muslim Philanthropy Awards where they had the opportunity to speak briefly. Our grantees from the 2025 Giving Circle Cycle:
- Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community, which used funds to open a new endowment
- 200 Muslim Women Who Care, which added funds to their growing endowment
- Khair Collective, which, as a newer organization, chose to receive an unrestricted grant
You can explore all of our 2025 nominees and their work.
Beyond Grantmaking: Learning, Leadership, and Connection
The Women’s Giving Circle is about more than funding—it is about building a connected ecosystem of learning and leadership.
In 2025, the Giving Circle supported:
- 17 webinars
- 8 virtual events and gatherings
- 2 conferences hosted by AMCF
- 8 in-person activities across Southern California and Chicago
- 16 partner organizations, including Philanthropy Together, MLFA, Rabata, Nour Emporium, TACS, Olive Community Services, and more
Programming included donor education, social impact accelerators, book celebrations, masterminds, salons, and leadership spaces—many of them led or co-led by Giving Circle members themselves.
ASL interpretation was provided for most virtual events in partnership with MUHSEN, reflecting our commitment to accessibility. This commitment continues, with plans for fully accessible virtual programming across our 2026 event offerings.
Community in Action
Giving Circle members were deeply embedded in AMCF’s broader ecosystem throughout the year. At the 2nd Annual AMCF Nonprofit Summit in Chicago, members participated as speakers, panelists, attendees, sponsors, staff, and planning committee members. The summit also included:
- A visit to Inspired Generosity hosted by a member
- A book signing for Prosperity with Purpose written by a member
AMCF also participated in Southern California events hosted by the Nour Emporium, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and the Afghan Literacy Foundation (ALF). Membership with the Shura Council showed our commitment to building community in the region. The Women’s Giving Circle also co-hosted the Muslim Women Wealth Summit in Southern California with Muslim Women Professionals, bringing together women for learning, reflection, and financial empowerment.
Voices from Our Community
“Alhamdulillah, participating in the American Muslim Community Foundation (AMCF) Women’s Giving Circle has been an incredible journey for Khair Collective. The opportunity to connect with fellow Muslim-led organizations across the country has not only expanded our network, but also deepened our sense of shared purpose and community…
We truly appreciate the sense of belonging and empowerment fostered by AMCF’s Women’s Giving Circle, as their values align beautifully with our vision to help others thrive through service and care.”
— Dr. Ali Syed, Founder of Khair Collective
Gratitude for the Women Who Make This Possible
We extend deep gratitude to our Leadership Circle members—a talented and diverse group of women who bring wisdom, insight, and action to this work. Their leadership shows up in webinars, trainings, on-the-ground events in Chicago and Southern California, and in the countless ways they share opportunities within our network.
We are equally grateful to every Giving Circle member, whose donations—of every size—fuel this work, and to the broader community for their du’a, encouragement, and ongoing support.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2026, the Women’s Giving Circle continues to grow with intention. Members have the option to join a members-only WhatsApp group, creating space for connection, sharing, and real-time collaboration.
In the year ahead, we are aiming to grow to 100 members, expand amplification for nonprofit partners, and deepen opportunities for learning and leadership. Plans are already underway for:
- An in-person Women’s Giving Circle meet-up in California
- The 3rd Annual AMCF Nonprofit Summit, scheduled for September 3 in Detroit
- Monthly educational webinars on topics chosen by our members
This is an invitation to be part of a community that gives collectively, learns together, and shows up—consistently and compassionately—for the causes and people shaping our future.
You can join the 2026 Women’s Giving Circle with as little as $5/month: Join Today
Have questions or want to learn more? You’re always welcome to schedule a short virtual chat with Lisa Kahler via Calendly.
Collective giving. Shared purpose. Enduring impact.